4 Reasons Rangers Are Favoured To Win The NPFL Title

‎Enugu Rangers, six- time winners of the Nigeria Professional Football League are closing in on winning a first league title since 1984. Completesportsnigeria.com's ADEBOYE AMOSU presents four key reasons why the Flying Antelopes will beat their rivals to the crown

1. DETERMINATION TO END THEIR 32-YEAR TITLE DROUGHT

After several years of disappointing showings in the Nigerian top flight, the Flying Antelopes are close to becoming champions once again.

The Coal city side last won the title in 1984, that's was 32-years ago and the current set of players and technical crew are determined to end the drought.

They started the season on a disappointing note losing 3-2 to former champions, Kano Pillars in their opening fixture, but have rallied back since then to top the standings at this crucial part of the campaign.

2. MOTIVATION FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENT

The Enugu State government have promised the players N3m bonus for each win in their remaining games this season. Already, they have been paid for last weekend's home win against Sunshine Stars and will surely get more if they end up winning the title.

The players' travel allowances have also been doubled from N10,000 to N20,000.
The team also flew into Lagos from Enugu in style and comfort on Friday before making the trip to Abeokuta for Sunday's crucial fixture against Ikorodu United.

3. IMAMA AMAPAKABO'S TACTICAL ACUMEN

The former Nigeria youth international was first appointed acting head coach of Rangers midway during last season, and was later confirmed in permanent capacity.

Imama guided the side to 12th position in the table in what was his first assignment as a head coach of any side in the Nigeria Professional Football League following stints at Sharks and Enyimba as assistant coach. He has however proved his class by moulding the Flying Antelopes into one of the most attractive sides in the NPFL.

His contribution from the bench will be decisive in the remaining two fixtures this season.

3. THE POSITIVE INFLUENCE OF CANE!

The Flying Antelopes' attacking force comprising the quartet of Bobby Clement, Godwin Aguda, Obinna Nwobodo and Chisom Egbuchulam was nickname Cane (utali) by the home fans in Enugu. The sobriquet is made up by the first letter in each player's surname.‎

They have flogged and tormented opposition defences with ease in the league this season.

The Cane will no doubt play a key role in the remaining two games of the campaign as they have been unstoppable all season.